Rachel A. Crisp

Mrs. Rachel Ann (Harris) Crisp went to be with her Lord on Monday, January 2, 2017, surrounded by loved ones, at Henry County Memorial Hospital.

Rachel was born March 7, 1930 to Lou Gates Harris and John Harris at the family home in Selma, Indiana. The youngest of ten children, Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Dale, Robert, Joseph, John, Emmett, Gordon, and sisters Louise, Virginia and Rosemary.

She graduated from Center School and attended Olivet Nazarene College. Rachel was married to Carl Crisp on April 20, 1951 in Selma, Indiana. They are the parents of four daughters; Carla (George) Hankins of Laurel, DE; Diane (Stephen) Merki of La Plata,MD; Debbie Vierk of Richmond, IN, and Jana Anderson of Springboro, OH; grandchildren Courtney Hankins of Rochester, NY; Jennifer Parker of New York, NY; Aaron Merki of Baltimore, MD; Amanda Molinar of Nashville, TN; Andrew Merki of Los Angeles, CA, Alyson Merki of Nashville, TN, Michael Vierk of Carlsbad, CA, Emily Vierk of Chicago, IL, and Katelyn Vierk of Richmond, IN. Little great-grandson Oceanus Parker was born June 3, 2016.

A talented and award-winning seamstress and an excellent cook and baker, Rachel was known for her pies and rolls and Ho-ho cake. She made beautiful custom-fitted clothing for her four daughters as they were growing up. She selflessly served others by visiting them and taking food to shut-ins and church functions. In past years she served as a Sunday School teacher and youth worker at First Church of the Nazarene in New Castle. Proficient in math, she was employed as a bookkeeper and also worked as a teachers’ aide in New Castle schools. She loved children and babies. More recently she was employed in accounting for anesthesiology at Henry County Memorial Hospital. Rachel was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She cared about people and always remembered her grandchildren’s birthdays and special occasions. She was especially close to her nieces and nephews, too. She loved her flowers and had a beautiful display every summer. Despite a battle with cancer for many years, Rachel was an inspiring role model and a wonderful Christian lady who will forever leave a void in the lives of those around her. Her positive attitude and love for others kept her going.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 7 at First Church of the Nazarene, New Castle at 12 noon, preceded by calling from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5250 Vogel Rd, Suite A, Evansville, IN 47715-7814 or First Church of the Nazarene, 1727 Grand Ave, New Castle, IN 47362. Condolences and memories of Rachel may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com .